FAQs

The parade theme Social Inclusion offers the deeper, spiritual answer to this question. MLK Day celebrates diversity within our great city represented by a multicultural diaspora. People from all demographics have opportunities to freely and comfortably indulge in expression, ideas, and tastes of their choice.  These United States birth the promise of inalienable rights to every individual. Americans have concepts and values about what is important and what makes us feel complete. Making our own choice is very important because it fosters meaning in our life. Why not have choices celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King? It is a National Holiday encompassing the whole of humanity.

The other easy answer is tactical and logistical in nature. A single parade with all the participants would easily exceed any reasonable, comfortable time for such an event. It would create added safety challenges, traffic and parking issues, and tax the viewing audience.

The execution of the parade is directly proportionate to the quality of volunteers. Most if not all of the work is done during parade setup. Volunteers assist with registration of participants, directing groups to their assign locations, and ensuring the parade stays in order according to section placement. Volunteers will direct traffic and be critical in facilitating bus unloading and parking. There will be coordinators working with the Parade CEO and Parade Coordinator. Volunteers need to be mature, strong critical thinkers with an ability to access situations and make quick decisions. Rarely do we exhaust the need for volunteers.

The main parade route originates in Midtown starting on San Jacinto incorporating Elgin and Webster Streets. Parking 3-4 more blocks away from these streets will offer you the best chance to leave without long delay.

The parade route is approximately a mile and a half long and under 2 hours in duration.